iOS code string could indicate instant messaging unification

With the introduction of the iMessage feature in iOS 5, it is clear that Apple has plans to integrate some of their messaging services into a unified solution that will work across the board on both iOS and Mac, and thanks to a recent string of code discovered by John Heaton, such a unification could be in the works in a future iOS update.

While the code does not mention iChat, one of Apple’s instant messaging apps, it does make reference to other instant messaging services, such as Jabber, FaceTime, AIM and iMessage. While some of these instant messaging services such as Jabber and AIM are available as third party apps, this code could indicate that Apple may be planning some sort of integration within the Messages app in iOS.

It has been revealed in the past that iMessage could be seeing support on Mac, thus allowing iOS users to send messages to Mac users, indicating some sort of unification among Apple’s services and features. There is no indication on when Apple plans to release this update if at all, but it’s definitely trademark of Apple to streamline their services. I don’t know about you guys, but a unified app to handle all IMs is definitely something I am looking forward to!